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Book ■Mn '^1- 



THE MINOR DRAMA. 

No. XVII. 



THE SECRET: 

OR, 

THE HOLE IN THE WALL. 

21 Jarre 

IN ONE ACT. 



ALSO THE STAGE BUSINESS, CASTS OF CHARACTBRfl, 
COSTUMES, RELATIVE POSITIONS, ETC. 



NEW-YOnf : 
WILLIAM TAYLOR & 0., 

No. 18 AI!m-STREET. 



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EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION. 

Tke plot of this amusing little piece is of some ftrtioi^ty. It 
forms the basis ci Calderon's comedy • E I'scccdida y la Ta- 
pida," and was used by Isaac Bickerstaff in his play of '• 'Tis 
Well It's no Worse," produced at Drury Lane in 1770. The 
celebrated John Philip Kemble embodied the story in his play 
of '' The Panel," acted in the year 1788. Mr. King and Mrs. 
Abington were distinguished in their characters, and the piece 
was played several nights. Moncrieff again reduced the inci- 
dents, and formed the present agreeable farce of '' The Secret" 
from the tragedian's comedy. Some fifteen years' since, a mu- 
sical piece, inder the title of - Hide and Seek," and containmg 
the whole plot of '' The Panel," was performed at the English 
Opera House, with some success. Mr. Poole was accused of 
using the principal incidents in his farce of *' A Hole in the 
Wall," but the author of '' Paul Pry" indignantly demed the 
plagiary in question— but at the same time forgot to acknowledge 
his obligations to the -Braggart Captain" of Plautus, from 
which piece he borrowed the entire plot of " The Hole m the 
Wall." "• 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 



Chesnut, 1846. 

M. Dupuia Mr. Murdoch, 

Valare " Davenport. 

Thomas ♦' Burton. 

Porter " Eberle, 

Cecile Mi»s A. Fislier. 

Angelica Mrs. Walstein. 



Park, 1848. Olympie, 18IX 

»Ir. Hield. Mr, Chanfrau. 
" Pearson. " Levere. 

" W. Chapman. •• Holland. 



" Gallot. 

Mrs. Abbott. 
MiiE Kate Horn. 



" Conovcr. 

Miss Clark. 
Miss Robert* 



COSTUMES. 

M. DUPUIS. — Blue or black dress coat, white vest, and pantt. 
VALARE. — Frock coat, fashionable vest and pants. 
THOMAS.— Full livery suit, blue stockings, shoes, and buckles. 
PORTER. — Drab overcoat, breeches and top boots, hat with band 
MRS. DUPUIS. — Fashionable morning dress. 
ANGELICA. — Silk or barege walking dress, bonnet, Sec. 



EXITS AND ENTRANCES. 

R. means Right; L. Left; R. D. Right Door; L. D. Left Doorf 
8. E. Second Entrance; U, E. Upper Entrance; M. D. Middle Door, 

RELATIVE POSITIONS. 

R., means Right; L., Left; C, Centre ; R. C, Right of Centre} 
L. C, Left of Centre. 



THE SECRET 



ACT I. 

Scene I. — The &jene represents a Gothic apartment, with 
oak paiids in third grooves — a sliding panel in r. f.— 
a Gothic door to match the scene, l. f. e. — the furniture 
to correspond — a table with red cloth, two Gothic chairs 
a. lighted candle on the table. As the curtain rises, 
Valare opens the secret panel, and comes down, with a 
lighted candle in his hand, which he places on the table. 
Key in l. d. 

Val. Hist! hist! Dupuls ! [Comes down.] So! all is 
safe, all is safe, and I may now venture forth to enjoy the 
air of this apartment. Heavens! with what anxiety do I 
wait my friend's return! each minute seems an hour; 
while the dread of beinir discovered by the prying mis- 
tress of the house, renders my confinement here painful 
in the extreme. Ah ! Angelica ! what do 1 not suffer on 
your account! But for thee, that fatal duel which now 
exposes me to the punishment of the law, would never 
have taken place, and Valare might still be in the full en- 
joyment of his liberty. My friend Dupuis, too ! what 
constant uneasiness he experiences on my account! His 
secret visits to me have so much the air of mystery, that 
his wife, naturally jealous, and unconscious of the true 
cause, conceives his love for her abated, and that another 
female, possessing superior charms, has gained his heart, 
and rendered her company odious to him. Poor Cecile, 
what pains dost thou take to render thyself miserable ! 
[Noise, L.] Hark ! Surely I heard some one. Yes — 
quick, Valare, quick, to your hiding place. [Takes his 
candle, goes into the jjanel, and closes it after him. 



6 THE SECRET. [Act L 

Cecile peeps in at doovy l., witJi a lighted mndle in her 
hand, and then enters. 

Cec. I thought I heard some one here. [Looks about.] 
I Tn"S*^ have been mistaken. [Places the candle on a table 
and sicS down.] Heigho ! My husband not returned. 1 
wonder what can take him from his home so. Every- 
day, now, does he regularly go out, and when he returns, 
it is only to lock himself in his chamber. Where can he 
be gone to-night ? Would I could find out, for I already 
suspect his visits are to the houses of such friends, that 
husbands wish their wives to be little acquainted with. 
Oil, man, man ! but worst of all, ye married ones, how 
greatly are ye privileged ; while woman, poor, weak 
woman, cannot even indulge in complaint. [Noise, l.] 
Hark ! I hear the street door close. [Goes to the door, l., 
and calls.] Dupuis ! is that you ? 

Thomas. [Putting in his head.] No, mistress, 'tis T, 
Thomas. 

Cec. Where's your master ] 

Tho. I can't tell, mistress. 

Cec. You followed him out 1 

Tho. Yes, mistress, into the street. 

Cec. And where did he go 1 

Tho. Into a house across the way. 

Cec. Into what house ? 

Tho. I can't tell, mistress. 

Cec. You are deceiving me, sirrah ! 

Tho. What, I, mistress 1 

Cec. Yes; so answer me — are there any women in the 
house ? 

Tho. There are women every where. 

Cec. Your master, then, is gone to a woman ? 

Tho. Very likely he is, mistress. 

Cec. You know it, then ? Thomas, you are deceiving 
me; like your master, you are deceiving me; he pays 
you for it. 

Tho. I did not say that, mistress. 

Cec. I believe, Thomas, you are more knave than fool. 

Tho. You flatter me, madam. 

Cec. Tell me, sir, why is it that this chamber has been 
locked at different periods during the last fortnight ] 



Scene I.J THE SECRET 7 

Tho. 1 can't tell, mistress. 

Cec. Some mischief is brooding here, some mystery. 

Tho. I have long thought so, but on entering this room 
I never see anybody, and everything appears in its pro- 
per place. 

Cec. I think you know something about it. 

Tho. Me ! Lord ! my master never tells me anything. 

Cec. Nor me : he treats me like a servant. 

Tho. And me as a w^oman : he never trusts me with a 
single secret. 

Cec. Impudent fellow ! but tell me, have you seen any 
body come lately into the house with your master ? 

Tho. Yes, mistress : a fortnight back — a — 

Cec. Well, Thomas, well. 

Tho. A man came in with my master : but I confess, I 
don't think he went out again. 

Cec. Come in, and not go out again 1 

Tho. No, mistress ; I think I could swear to that, for 
being the porter, I must have seen him. 

Cec. But are you sure it was a man ? 

Tho. Why, certainly, I did not examine veiy closely, 
but I'm sure he had breeches on. 

Cec. 'Twas a woman in disguise. 

Tho, That is possible, mistress. 

Cec, But what can have become of her? 

Tho. Faith, I can't tell, mistress. 

Cec. Come here, Thomas. Dear Thomas, now tell me 
— tell me, I conjure you, do you think your master is in 
love with any other woman ? 

Tho. Mistress, I can't tell. But — 

Cec. But what, Thomas 1 

Tho. Nothing, mistress. 

Cec. Come, Thomas, I am sure of it ; so here, good 
Thomas, take this. [OJering a purse. 

Tho. Oh, I can't take it, mistress. 

Cec. You must, good Thomas; now, don't conceal any- 
thing from me, but let me know the worst. [ Weeping. 

Tho. [ Weeping.] Oh, mistress, ycair grief cuts me to 
the soul ; my master certainly is in love. 

Cec. [ Walking about, greally agitateS.] 1 thought so ! 
Oh, vile Dupuis ! is it thus you treat me 1 But say, kind 
Thomas, who is the creature ? what is she 1 where did 
Bhe come from 1 



8 THE SECRET. [Act I 

Tho. I can't tell, mistress. 

Cec. What is her name, then ? 

Tho. I can't tell that neither. 

Ccc. How ! what do you know of her, then \ 

Tho. Nothing, but I'll soon find out. 

Cec. Will you, indeed, good Thomas ? 

Tho, Yes, I'll ask my master to tell me. 

Cec. Pshaw, you are a fool. 

Tho. I can't help that, mistress. 

[Knock at street door^ L. 
Cec. See who knocks. 

Tho. Yes, mistress. [Goes to door^ h.] *Tis my mastei ; 
he's coming up. 

Enter Dupuis, l., he crosses to c. Thomas goes up 

Ccc. So, you are come home at last. 

Duj). Yes, my dear, and dreadfully fatigued. 

Cec. That's no fault of mine. 

Z>up. I did not say it was, my dear. Thomas, a chair. 
[He places his hat and cane on the table — Thomas 
bi'ings down a chair. 

Cec. Thomas, a chair. [ Thomas brings her a chair on 
R. She sits.] Pray, sir, may I ask where you have been 1 

Dup. Certainly, my dear ; but you must expect not to 
be told. 

Ccc. That's as much as to say, that I shall never know 
anything of the mystery that has reigned within these 
walls for so many days past. 

Dup. You shall know all about it, my dear — [She draws 
Iter chair towards him] — some day or other. 

Cec. You have a secret, then ? 

Dup. If I had, my dear, I should not scruple at confi- 
ding it to your keeping ; but the fact is, the secret is my 
friend's, and not mine ; so, of course, you cannot expect 
me to part with what is not belonging to me. 

Cec. Very well, sir ; but I know your secret. 

Dup. Know it ! 

Ccc. Yes, to my sorrow. You no longer love me, Du- 
puis, as you were used to do ; the chains of Hymen hang 
heavily round your heart; another possesses your alfec- 
tions : — yes, Dupuis, I have your secret — it is not to be 
denied. 



Scene 1 J THE SECRET. 9 

Dup. How is this, Cecile ? — jealous ! 

Cec. Yes, I am ; now you know it. 

Dup. 'Pon my word, 1 never knew my merits before — 
ha! ha! ha! ha ! 

Cec. Ay, man, thou ungrateful man, jt becomes you 
admirably. Oh, Heaven ! what fools women are, to be 
treated thus ! why do they not retaliate — but let me not 
say too much. 

Dup. Don't check yourself, dear; there are many wo- 
men who practice what you are about to preach. 

Tho. [At tabic, c] Good ! 

Cec. You no longer love me, then ? 

Dup. My dear Cecile, have but a little confidence in 
me, and I promise you, you shall know all ; for the pre- 
sent, however, I must beg you to oblige me by leaving me 
alone ; I have writing to do that requires study and pri- 
vacy — when finished, I will join you in your apartment. 

Cec. But why write here, Dupuis ? 

Dup. Still doubtful? 

Cec. Oh, not at all ; but this chamber — [He shows dis- 
pleasure.] Well, I'm going; but don't stay long, or — 
[Aside.] Oh ! who would be married ! [Exit, l. 

Dup. Now, then, let me lock the door, and release my 
piisoner. [Goes to door, l., and is turning up stage, when 
he sees Thomas standing at the back of table — Thomas 
laughs on seeing his master — they eye each other for some 
ti?ne.] What are you doing there, sir 1 

Tho. Waiting for your orders, sir. 

Dup. Then have the goodness to wait for them on the 
outside of the door. [Goes to door and unlocks it.\ But be- 
ware, sir : no peeping or listening — or by my soul— 

Tho. I hope you don't suspect — 

Dup. Away! [Crosses to n. 

Tho. I'm gone, sir. 

[ While Dupuis' back is turned, Thomas steals up, as 
if to get under the table — Dupuis turns round &ud^ 
deydy. 

Dup. Begone, sir! [Goes to table to get his cane.] Be- 
gone, I say. 

Tho. I'm off, sir — but I'll have my eyes about me, for 
all that. [Exit, l., Dupuis watches him off, then locks the 
door, stands a little back — suddenly opens the door, and 



10 THE SECRET. [Act t 

catclies TJiomas, who has been peeping through the key- 
hole, lie drags him in, canes him, then kicks him out, and 
locks the door. 

Dap. A prying scoundrel — but now we are safe. Va- 
lare must be warned of his danger, and put upon his 
guard. \Goes to the panel and opens it.\ Valare, come 
forth ; 'tis your friend. 

Val. [Comes out.] Dupuis, my best of friends, say, 
what news have you for me 1 

lOuj). Not such as I could wish; your duel, and the 
death of your rival, is the general topic of conversation 
throughout the city. 

Vol. Heaven is my witness, I sought not his life. 

Dup. I know it well ; but his parents, burning with 
revenge, search for you with the utmost anxiety; remain, 
then, here, till a fit opportunity presents itself for your 
escape. In the mean time, this retreat — this secret closet, 
which is known to none but myself and you, will afford 
you a safe asylum"^ — one that can bid defiance to the law's 
scrutinizing eye. But, Valare, on you depends every- 
thing; you ought lo act with the utmost caution — pre- 
serve a profound silence, nor dare to venture in this cham- 
ber, unless called by me. 

Val. Oh, my friend, how shall I ever repay this kind- 
ness % 

Dup. By following my advice, Valare, and preserving 
a life that is so dear to me. 

Val. Generous man ! but tell me, Dupuis, is your wife 
still ignorant of the place of my confinement? 

Dup. Yes, Valare, the secret is of loo much conse- 
quence to be trusted to the keeping of any woman ; and, 
as I don't think my wife any better than the best of them, 
I shall keep the secret safely lodged in my own breast. 

Val. But of Angelica — what news of her? 

Dup. Behold, a letter; that will give you every infor- 
mation. 'Tis from your friend, Duval; but the contents, 
I fear, will give you much uneasiness, — Read it : in the 
mean time I will seek my wife. You may remain here 
till my return; the door being locked, you need not fear 
interruption. [Exit, i.. 

Val. News from Angelica ! news, too, that will afflict 
Heavens! 1 tiemble lo open the letter. [Reads.] 



Scene I.] THE SECRET. 11 

^ My dear friend, I scarce know liow to declare an affair 
tliat will cause you much uneasiness — hut the truth must he 
told. Two days ago, Angelica quitted the city and fled, 
no one knows ivhcre. At the same time your rival disap- 
peared, in the same sudden and mysterious manner. Would 
I had hetter news to tell you, hut so it is. I shall only 
make one ohservation : that women are not worth half the 
pains that man takes to ohtain them.^'' Perfidious woman ! 
to forsake and abandon me thus. — Oh, Angelica ! have I 
deserved this of you ? I w^ho have exposed my life for 
your sake; I, who — But no, it cannot be — and yet, this 
letter — alas ! I fear it is too true. Duval is too sincere — 
too good a friend — he would not write me thus, unless 
convinced of the truth of his assertions. 

Enter Dupuis, l. f., hastily. 

Dup. Quick, Valare, quick, to your hiding place ; my 
wife is coming up stairs. 

Val. Oh, my friend, such news of -Angelica! 
Dup. Well, speak of that presently. In, I say. 

[^Pushes him in, and, closes the panel, then turns to the 
iahle, and pretends to write. 

Enter Cecile, l. d. f. Looks ahout the room, and under 
the tahle. 

Cec. [Suspiciously.] You are not alone, Mr. Dupuis? 
Dup. You are right, my dear, unless you reckon your- 
self nobody. 

Cec. You were speaking to some one. 
Dup. What ! did you listen then 1 
Cec. Suppose I should say yes] 

Dup. Then I should say you were doubly wrong; first, 
for having listened, and, second, for believing that I was 
speaking to any one. 

Cec. I heard you talking, I'm sure. 

Dup. Well, my dear, as to talking to any one, the thing 
ipeaks for itself; but surely, my dear Cecile, you would 
r-x>t prevent me from talking to myself. 
Cec. Oh, you deceitful man ! 

Dup. -What, are you going to begin again, my dear? 
Cec. Yes, I shall begin again; Til never leave you. 
Dup. Delightful ! 



12 THE SECRET [ACT 1 

Cec. I'll torment you forever, 

Dup. That's charming ! 

Cec. And if I cannot partake of your pleasures, youi 
happiness, abroad — you shall share my ill humours at 
home. 

Dup. [Sings.] *' There was a little woman," &c. — 
Thomas! [Calling 

Enter Thomas, l. 

My hat and gloves. 

[ Thomas hrings hat and gloves from table, 

Cec. What, ai'e you going out again ? 

Dup. Only for a short time, my dear. 

Cec. Very well, sir; it's very well, sir; but go, sir; go 
to your woman, you cruel, barbarous man. 

Dup. My woman ! ha ! ha ! ha ! 

\,Sings.'\ " How happy coulJ I be %\'ith either, 
Were t'other dear charmer away ; 
But while you thus tease me together. 
To neither a word will I say." 
Ha ! ha ! [Going, l. 

Cec. Provoking! but I'll find out where he goes — 
Thomas, follow your master, he may want you. 
Tho. Yes, ma'am. 

[As Thomas is going, he is stopped by Dupuis. 
Dup. No, I order you to stay here. [Dupuis goes to the 
table, takes a. Iciier off it, and goes off, l. d. f. Thomas 
runs and j^ccps through the keyhole. Dupuis returns.] If 
you attempt to follow me, I'll break eveiy bone in your 
body ! Good night, my dear — good night. 

[ Exit ceremoniously, having the door open. 
Cec. I can scarce contain myself; — to be treated thus — 
without any cause, too. But I'll be revenged — that I 
will. If he has lost all love for me, and goes to another, 
I'll let him know that — yes, I'll let him know that — that, 
yes — that — that I will. [She pushes Thomas, icho has been 
standing near the door, l., down, and goes off in a violent 
rage, l. 

Tho. Behold the fruits of matrimony : happy state ! 
how enviable must his lot be, who is blessed like my mas- 
ter. 

\_S(n}g.'\ ""Wedlock is a ticklish thing." 

My master possesses a handsome, jealous, scolding wife, 



Scene I.] 



THE SECRET J3 



Well, if ever I could be prevailed upon to lake pity on 
the fair sex, and marry, let my wife beware of being jea- 
lous without a cause ; for if she should, curse me if I 
wouldn't soon give her a cause to be jealois with cause. 
But, now I am alone, let me consider awhile. My mis- 
tress pays me to tell my master's secrets — good. Now, 
as I do not tell her what I know — why, 1 tell her what I 
do not know — so that's one and the same thing. On the 
other hand, my master pays me to keep his secrets — good 
again. Those that are useful to me, I tell, and those that 
are useless, 1 keep ; so thus J. deceive and cut fairly to- 
wards both parties. [Goes to door.] But what do I see be- 
low ! a woman ! and a stranger, too : if this should be 
master's flame, now ! She's coming up stairs — I'll sift her 
a bit. Walk in, madam. 

Enter Angelica, l. 

Ang. Is Mr. Dupuis at home 1 

Tho. No, miss, but here is his servant, and your*s, too, 
at the same time. 

An^. I am sorry I cannot see him. 

Tlio. He, I'm sure, will be doubly sorry at not seeing 
you. — \_Asidc\ She is very pretty. 

Ang, It is on business of importance. 

Tlio. If you would wish to see my mistress, she, per 
baps, would do as well. 

Ang. Oh, no, 'tis Mr. Dupuis I wish to see. 

Tlio. Oh, Mr. is it? not Mrs.? Oh ! true, I understand. 

Ang. Will he return soon ? 

Tho. I don't know, miss ; but if you would like to wait, 
I will call my mistress, and she will keep you company. 

Aug. No, I'd rather not. 

Tho. Oh ! true, I understand. 

Ang. What hour is he likely to be at home ? 

Tho. My mistress can tell you that, ma'am, better than 1 
can, if you'll favour me with your name. 

Ang. That is not necessary; I am not known to Ma- 
dam Dupuis. 

Tho. Ah ! true, I understand ; but how is mastei iz 
know who called, if you do not leave your name ? 

Ang. I shall see him shortly. 

Tho. But do let me call my mistress. 



14 THE SECRET [Act I 

Ang. No, no, it is not necessary I'd rather not. 

Tho. Ah! true, you said so just now. 

Avg. As I am not fortunate eno>wgh to meet with Mon 

sieur Dupuis, have the goodness to give him this packet. 

\Gwes him a packet containing a miniature, 

Tho. To my master, did you say % 

Ang. Yes, you see it is addressed to him. 

Tho. Ah ! true, I understand. Is there any thing else 
[ am to do for you ? 

Ang. Nothing — not anything but that. Good day. 

[Going. 

Tho. It is a very dark staircase, miss, so I'll light you 
down. [Takes a candle from the table,] Now I hope you 
don't think I want any thing for my trouble, madam ; for 
my master would be very angry if he thought I took any 
thmcr from any body. 

Ang. I understand — here, take this. 
[Gives a piece of money — he turns his hack and tahes it. 

Tho. Oh ! madam, pray take care how you go down 
stairs — this way — pray, take care. 

[Exity L., with candle, followed hy Angelica. 

Val. [ Comes forward from the panel, closing it after him 
hy mistake.] Surely I heard Angelica's voice. Yes, it 
was she ; my heart tells me so — but what could bring her 
to this Ijouse ? to search for me 1 why, then, quit so soon % 
No, I must be deceived — [A noise, l.] Hark ! some one 
comes — in, in, Valare — confusion, I cannot find the spring! 
Here, then, let me conceal myself [Retires, r. u. e. 

Enter Thomas ivith a candle, l. d. f. 

Tho. Ha! ha! ha! 'tis Mr. Dupuis I want, not mis- 
tress — your name, miss — oh ! that's not necessary — ah ! 
true, I understand — ha ! ha ! But she did not understand 
me, though — ha! ha ! ha! Well, my master has certain- 
ly a very good taste. But let me see — what shall I do 
with this packet 1 My mistress ordered me to seize on 
all letters directed to my master ; well, I have seized this, 
and since 'tis the first I have laid hold of, I see no reason 
why I should not be the first to read it ; so, without scru- 
ple, here goes. [Goes up to the table arid sits on l. Opens 
the parkO:.] Oh ! what's here ? — a miniature ! 

Val. [Just appears, and says,] Rascal ! 

[hutantly retirinff- 



Scene I.] 



THE SECRET. J5 



Tho. [Greatly alarmed, starts down tofront.^ I thought 
I heard my name. [Takes the candle, and looks ahout.] 
Oh ! 'tis nothing. Bless me, my heart almost jumps into 
my mouth. What the devil am I afraid of ] there's no 
one here. Now, then, what's this miniature 1 Ecod — 
tis her likeness. Angelica, too — a pretty name, truly, 
and a very pretty face. But you can see what she is by 
her eyes, [Kisses it and puts it on the table. Valare comes 
out, and ioftly opens the panel, then retires, watching.] Now, 
then, for the letter. " Ever since your late misfortune^' — 
Misfortune ! what misfortune ? — '^ of meeting your rival,'* 
— the devil ! a duel ! — here's a discovery — " I have taken 
refuge at my father's house." — An invitation ! there's mo- 
desty for you. Heaven bless him, poor man, that gets 
her for a wife. 

Val. Villain ! [Darts forward and. seizes the miniature 
and letter — hloivs out the candle. Knocks Thomas down, 
and goes quickly through the panel. 

Tlio. Murder! murder! fire! thieves! murder! villain! 
the devil ! 

Enter Cecile, l., xnith a candle and letter, 

Cec. Heaven ! what — 

Tho. Murder! murder! 

Cec. Rise this instant. — Thomas, do you know who I 
ami 

Tho. The devil ! the devil ! murder ! 

Cec. Be not alarmed, Thomas ; 'tis I, your mistress. 

Tho. [Rising fearfully .] Yes, so it is ; oh, dear ! I'm 
glad to see you. Oh, madam, such a thing! — it's all over 
with me. 

Cec. What mean you ? 

Tho. Don't hurry me, I beg; let me just recover my 
fright. #v 

Cec. What is it has alarmed you so 1 

Tho. Oh, dear, oh, dear! such a sight — did you ever 
see the devil ? I beg pardon, 1 mean the black gentleman. 

Cec. Seen who ] 

Tho. Just lend me the candle, will you? [Takes the 
candle, and, still dreadfully alarmed, looks round the room. 
Not seeing anything, he gathers courage.] As I'm alive, 
he's gone through the key-hole. 

Cec. Whom do you mean ? 



16 THE SECRET. [Acr I. 

Tho. Who, indeed ! there's a pretty question. But 
I'll tell you, ma'am : you must first know, a young woman 
has been here ! but, however, that's nothing. 

Ccc. A woman ! 

Tho. Yes, and she asked for my master ; but, however, 
that's nothing. 

Ccc. How ! sirrah, why did you not tell me 1 

Tho. Because, ma'am, the young lady did not wish it; 
but, however, that's nothing. She left a great many mes- 
sages, but they were all for my master ; and before she 
went away, she gave me a letter and a miniature to give 
him. 

Ccc. A letter, you say 1 and a miniature ? very pretty. 

Tho. Yes, ma'am, much prettier than you, I assure you. 

Cec. Knave ! where are they ? produce them ! 

Tho. Don't be in a hurry, mistress — I am going to tell 
you. You see yonder chair — well, as I was sitting there, 
looking at the miniature, I was saying to myself — Thomas, 
says I, your master is not acting towards your mistress as 
be ought, in carrying on an intrigue with another woman, 
when he has got so kind, so sweet, so gentle a wife. On 
which Thomas answered and said — that is, I said to my- 
self — Thomas, you are right : on which I made up my 
mind to disclose the whole affair to you, and for that pur- 
pose rose from my chair to bring you the letter; when 
just as I reached the door, I was seized round the body ; 
when turning round, thus, I saw a tall figure all in black 
— who, pronouncing my name in a horrible voice, bade 
me give him the miniature. This I boldly refused, on 
which he snatched them from me, blew out the candle, 
dashed me to the ground, and then vanished in a blaze of 
fire. Lord, if you had but been here to have smelt the 
brimstone. 

Cec. And do you think, sir, I attf-to be imposed upon 
by such a tale as this ? out upon you, knave. My eyes 
are open ; I see your tricks : instead of serving me, as I 
expected, you invent these tales to make me jealous of 
my husba-id, in order that 1 may keep paying you for the 
discovery of secrets that never existed. But there's an 
end to it now, the mask is off, and I know you for a cheat 

Tho. Me, madam ! I swear — 

Cec. Hold your tongue, sir. — [Aside.l I'll no longer lis 



SCEWE IV.] 



THE SECRET. 17 



ten to idle tales, but make a trial of my husbar d myself. 
This letter, which I have written, shall fall into his hands, 
he will read it — its contents are of a nature to inspire him 
with a jealousy, which, if he feel not, then must he be 
the most insensible of men, and I, convinced of his infi- 
delity, the most miserable of women. There ! 

[ Throws the letter on the stage, near fronty on R. 

Tho. Ma'am, you've dropped something. 

Cec. I know it, and wish it to remain there. 

Tho. Oh, I understand. 

Cec. Mind, sir, I forbid you touching it ; you see I 
placed it there on purpose ; so beware you speak not of 
it to your master, till I give you leave. 

Tho. I understand. \^As Cecile is going off, Thomas is 
going towards the letter — she turns, and he pretends to he 
snvffmg the candle, or some other business.] I see how it 
is : she wants to make my master jealous of her — pooi 
creature ! but it won't do : my master is too cunning to 
be taken in. But, as luck will have it, here he comes. — 
now for it. 

Enter n^uis, l. 

Dup. Thomas, leave the room. [ Thomas seems unwilling 
to go — Dupuis pushes him out, and locks the door, and 
then goes to the panel. 

Enter Yai^au^ from panel, with letter and miniature. 

My friend, I have news for you. 

Val. And I for you. 

Dup. Indeed ! 

Vol. Angelica has been here. 

Dup. How know you that 1 

Val. Behold her letter and miniature. 

Dup. How came th4|r in your possession ? 

Val. The story is too long to tell you now ; suffice it 
to say, I took them from your servant, Thomas. 

Dup. 'Twas imprudent, methinks ; but no matter. Vour 
rival, I am happy tc tell you, is not dead, but in a fair 
way of jecovery. 

Val. Indeed ! oh, happy tidings ! 

Dup. Moreover, a meeting has taken place between 
your father and his; and I have reason to believe, that 



18 THE SECRET. 



[ACTl 



every thing will be happily arranged. Remain, therefore, 
in your retreat, till I have summoned the family together, 
disclosed the secret, and put an end to mystery and dan 
ger. 

Val. Oh, my friend, you knowr not how happy I feel at 
this moment. 

Dujf. But I can conceive it, judging by the pleasure I 
feel at having contributed to it. But return, Valare ; 
your confinement will not be long. [Exit Valare throvgh 
tJic panel J[ Now, then, to my jealous wife, and make her 
happy. [Sees the letter.\ What's this] a letter! it has fall 
en from my pocket — no, 'tis to my wife. The devil ! 
how it smells of musk. [ Unlocks the door.] Thomas ! 

Enter Thomas, l. 
Tho. Sir. 

Dup. Call my wife. 
Tho. Here she is. 

Enter Cecile, l. — Thomas goes up, 

Dup. Cecile, my dear, I have just found a letter: it 
Delongs to you. 

Ccc. [Pretending embarrassment.] A letter, sir — ah !— 
'tis— 

Dup. A sweet one. [Smells it, 

Ccc. Heavens ! you haven't read it ? 

Dup. It is not addressed to me, ray dear ; you know I 
never take the liberty of reading your letters. 

Ccc. You were not, then, so curious 1 

Dup. Certainly not; if it contains nothing but chit-chat, 
it is not worth reading; and if it is full of disagreeables, 
I'd rather not read it. 

Cec. You won't be jealous, then, Dupuis? 

Dup. Jealous, my dear ! not I(p|truly ! I feel myself 
peifectly safe on that score. A man need not give him- 
self uneasiness about his wife, when she has arrived at 
your years — so take the letter, my dear; and to prove 
how far I am from being jealous, [Crosses to l.] 1 shall 
leave you to read it by yourself [Exit, l. 

Tho. I say, ma'am, it won't do. 

Cec. Silence, fellow ! Was ever woman so treated as 
I am 1 'tis plain, now, he loves me not. Oh, if I knew 



ScEin: I.] 



THE SECRET. J 9 



who this minion of his was ! Perhaps he has gone to 
her now ! if so, I'll follow him, and if I catch her I'll tear 
her eyes out. [Exit, l. d. f. 

Tho. Good! what a stew she's in ! I thought my mas- 
ter would be too deep for her, ha ! ha ! ha ! But they 
have left me by myself; and if my invisible friend should 
return, who knows but what he may walk off with me as 
well as the letter. 

Enter a drunken Porter, l., with a small trunk. 

Oh, Lord ! what's that 1 

Forter. I have brought this box for — ^for — Mr. Dupuis. 

Tho. From whom? 

Porter. A lady named Angelica. 

Tho. Angelica ! oh, true, I understand. Put it down, 
my friend. What do you demand ? 

Porter. It is paid for. 

Tho. Then, good day. [Exit Porter, l. d. p.] A box 
from Angelica ! what the deuce, she is not going to live 
here, surely ! Ecod, I'm glad it's come, though, for now 
I shall have an opportunity of convincing my mistress 
that what I told her of A\*^g8lica was true ; so lay you 
there, my friend, till I return ; and if my mistress is not 
satisfied with the evidence of your outside — [Crosses to 
L.] sans ceremonie, I shall force you open, and search 
for better proof inside. [Exit, L. 

Enter VaIj are Jrom panel, 

Val. What did I hear ! a box of Angelica's, and that 
rascal going to break it open — that, at all events, shall bo 
prevented, so come you along with me. 

[Takes the box, and exit into the panel. 

Tho. [ Without.^ Come along, madam ! 

Enter C^cile and Thomas, l. 

Tho. I'll convince you. 
Cec. A box, said you ? 

Tho. A box, and from Angelica : now, say I am decei- 
ving you, if you can, for here — 

[Pointing to where the hox was. 
Cec. Well, sir, the box— 
Tho. Is it gone to the devil, after the miniature ! 



20 THE SECRET. [Acr I. 

Cec. Do you dare, then, fellow, thus to trifle with me ? 
hence, from my house ! no longer will I keep in my ser- 
vice a man whose only study is to deceive me ; hence, I 
say. 

Tho. Well, ma'am, as you please ; 'tis not very agree- 
able to be in the house wilh devils. 

Cec. You play your part admirably, knave. 

Tho. Play ! egad, I'm in no playing humour. But you 
may kick me, beat me, discharge me, but still I will main- 
tain, the box I left there — none but old Nick himself could 
have taken it ; and firmly do I believe, if you stay here 
much longer, he will walk off with you also. 

Cec. I know not what to think — fiVb?>c, l.] Hark! — 
Some one is coming up the stairs. [Exit Tliomas, l.] 'Tis 
veiy strange. That Thomas is a knave, is certain ; but 
still I think he would not carry the jest so far unless there 
was some truth in it. 

Thomas runs in, l. 

Tho. Now, madam, you shall be satisfied — the very 
woman ! Angelica is below — hark ! here she is. 

Enter Angelica, l. 

Ang. I beg pardon, but is Mr. Dupuis not returned? 

Cec. And pray, miss, what do you want with Mr. Du 
puis? 

Ang. I came for an answer to a letter I left but now 
with his servant. 

Tho. Mistress, what do you think of old Nick now ? 

Cec. A letter, say you, and to my husband ? 

Ang. Yes, madam ; it contained the inquiries of an 
unfortunate female, to whom Mr. Dupuis could give such 
information as would administer comfort to her aflfliction. 

Cec. But you sent a miniature also, did you not ? 

Ang. Miniature ! 

Tho. No, no miniature, I swear — I never said a minia- 
ture — a box, I told you. 

Ang. I certainly did send a box. 

Cec. It's very strange, young v/oman, that j'^ou, who I 
have not the least knowledge of, should be sending boxes 
here without my leave — 'tis very suspicious. 

Ang. I feel, madam, that appearances are against me j 



SCEWE IV.] 



THE SECRET. 21 



but Still there is nothing to give you uneasiness. Mon- 
sieur Dupuis is in possession of a secret, on which my 
happiness depends. Obliged to fly my friends, to avoid 
persecution, I had recourse to Mr. Dupuis, who alone 
can free me from my present load of misery. 

Ccc. But how came you acquainted with my husband ? 

Ang. I know but little of him ; but he is the intimate 
friend of a person who is dearer to me than life. With 
respect to the box — when I fled from home, I took the 
liberty of sending it here ; I knew it would be in safety. 

Tho. Oh ! yes, it is in perfect safety. 

Ccc. 'Pon my word, miss, your story would make an 
excellent subject for a romance. 

Ang. How, madam ! what mean you ? 

Ccc. That you are known, miss. 

Ajig. Now I understand you, madam ; but your suspi- 
cions are groundless, as they are cruel and unkind. But 
Mr. Dupuis will explain — so, madam, good day. 

Ccc. Oh ! pray don't go, child ; you'd better wait til] 
your protector returns. 

Arig. No, madam, I shall retire, to avoid further insult. 

Ccc. But you stir not hence. Thomas, call your mas- 
ter. \ExU Thomas, l.] Now, my gentle miss, I'll have 
you face to face. Ah ! you may well blush — fie ! fie on 
you ! [Goes to the door^ l., and calls. \ Mr. DujDuis ! Mr. 
Dupuis, I say ! 

Ang. Unfortunate Angelica! 

[ While Cecil c is calling off, l., Valarc opens the pa- 
nel, ajid, slipping sofiltj forth, shows himself to An- 
gcLlcay whom he. leads into the panel and closes it. 

Enter Thomas, i.. 

TJio, This way, master, tliis way. 

Ejiter Duj'uis, l. 

Bup. Now, Cccile, what would you ? 

Ccc. Base man, I have detected you at last ; well may 
you look pale Jiut look here, sir, look at this face— 
[ Turns, and, not seeing Angelica, screams violenthA — gone 
—the >voman's gone ! 

Tho. Ay ! old Nick has got hei-, too. 

Dup. What does ail this mean ? 



M^^ 



22 THE SECRET. 



tACTi 



/ 



Tito. That this house is haunted, that my mistress is 
jealous, that you are found out, and that I am to lose my 
place. 

Vup. Come, Cecile ; it is time now to undeceive you. 
I promised you, you should know all, and thus J. keep my 
word. \Gocs up to t7ie panel.] Valare, come forth. 

[ Valare and Angelica come out. 

Cec. How! 

T/io. There's a Hole in the Wall ! 

.Dup. Cecile, are you jealous now? 

Cec. Oh, Dupuis, forgive me. 

Ang. 'Tis I that should ask forgiveness, for having been 
the cause. 

Val. And I also. 

77io, Ha ! ha ! ha ! pray, sir, allow me to ask ono 
question ; was it you that stole the box? 

Val. It was. 

T/w. I am indebted, then, to you, for the thump on tho 
head I got 1 

Val. You are ; but your knavery desei'ved it. 

Tho. Not a word about that. I forgive you. 

Dup. Come, come ; we are all forgiveness, all happy 
so, with our Secret, all danger now shall end. 

TAo. I've saved my place. 

Duj). And I preserved my friend. 

DISrOSITION OF THE CHARACTERS AT THE FALL OF 
THE CURTAIN. 



Cecile. 


Dupuis. 


Valare. 


Angelica. 


Thomai. 


[«• 




THE END. 




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THE OATH OF OFFICE 

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